ELA
In fifth grade ELA, we learn to dig deep. We learn to ask questions and analyze text. We learn to consider text from the author's point of view. We support each other and give full effort at all times.
Students in 5th grade should attempt to achieve a grade appropriate Lexile level. The fifth grade Lexile band is from 830L to 1010L. The district expectation is that 2 Achieve activities will be completed during school hours each week. Achieve 3000 can be accessed through Clever.
We are looking forward to reading and discussing many interesting tradebooks this year.
We are currently reading Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt.
We are working in the Being a Writer™ program. We are enjoying examples of writing from all genres. We are exploring the elements of well-written pieces, including sensory details, consistent verb tense, author's purpose, engaging openings, and effective endings. Throughout the year, we will select drafts to take through the steps in the publishing process. We will learn to support our claims and to take pride in our work.
Our class is working in the Making Meaning® program. In this program, the students listen to and discuss authentic text. The students focus on asking questions and making inferences about the text to help them gain a better understanding of what was read. Asking questions helps readers understand what they read by actively engaging with text and thinking about what the authors of those pieces are trying to say. Asking questions also helps readers remember what they read. The goal is to encourage the students to use questioning regularly to make sense of their independent reading.
One strategy that is stressed in school is to stop, periodically, to check for understanding. At the end of each section, students should stop to summarize, ask questions about what was read up to this point.
You can support what your child is learning by reading with your child at home. Stop every so often while reading a story aloud to write down any questions you and your child have about the story. Then use those questions to discuss the story after you finish reading aloud.
Questions that may help your child focus on story characters include:
• What conflicts or problems occur in the story? How do the characters respond to those problems?
• Who changes in the story? Why do you think that character or those characters change?
Encourage your child to ask him- or herself questions while reading independently. Some questions independent readers can ask themselves are:
• What is happening in the story right now?
• Does what I am reading make sense?
• What am I puzzled about?
• If I don’t understand what is happening, would it help to go back and reread a section? Start over at the beginning? Find another book?
Understanding stories is essential to the purpose and enjoyment of reading. I hope that you and your child are enjoying reading together.